Google Extends Software Updates for Chromebook

Google recently announced that it will now provide a decade of automatic software updates for Chromebooks. During the pandemic, demand for Chromebooks spiked, but now millions are coming offline due to the end of software support. The influx of new software updates will enable many consumers to keep their Chromebooks longer. 

Chromebooks are heavily used by schools, and the new updates will not only enable students to keep up with assignments but also allow refurbishers to resell computers that would have otherwise been destroyed. More updates help expand the life cycle of Chromebooks and help reduce the amount of e-waste that would be generated. 

The announcement comes after the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (USPIRG) published a report earlier this year calling on Google to extend the Automatic Update Expiration dates to at least ten years. According to Google, the company plans to extend the time frame for automatic updates every four weeks and provide enhanced security, stability, and features starting next year.

Additionally, the tech giant announced that it would also make updates that enable authorized repair centers and school technicians to repair Chromebooks with a physical USB key. This will reduce the time required for software repairs by more than 50 percent and limit time away from the classroom.  

Reusing devices like Chromebooks is key to creating a circular economy and eliminating waste. E-waste disposition facilities like HOBI collect retired IT assets like laptops, tablets, desktops, smartphones, and Chromebooks and ensure they are disposed of properly via electronics recycling. 

E-waste makes up a significant portion of the world’s toxic waste, and reusing old devices helps keep them out of landfills and reduces water and air pollution. Proper IT asset disposition is becoming more critical as technology evolves, and ITAD enterprises help protect the environment and provide alternate sales streams for cost-effective used devices. 
For more information about our ITAD services, call 817-814-2620 or contact HOBI at sales@hobi.com.